A Song of Degrees. When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion, we became as those that are comforted.

The Lord has done great things for us, we became joyful.

And Jeshua, Bani and Sherebiah instructed the people in the law, and the people [stood] in their place.

And they read in the Book of the Law of God, and Ezra taught, and instructed them distinctly in the knowledge of the Lord, and the people understood from the reading.

neither shall I transgress; but I have hid His words in my bosom.

The ordinances of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is bright, enlightening the eyes.

To be desired more than gold, and much precious stone; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

I have delighted in the way of Your testimonies, [as much] as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your statutes; I will not forget Your words.

The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of [coins of] gold and silver.

How I have loved Your law, O Lord! It is my meditation all the day.

How sweet are Your oracles to my taste! More so than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding by Your commandments; therefore I have hated every way of unrighteousness.

I have inherited Your testimonies forever; for they are the joy of my heart.

Therefore have I loved Your commandments more than gold, or topaz.

The manifestation of Your words will enlighten, and instruct the simple.

Let my lips utter a hymn, when You shall have taught me Your statutes.

I have longed after Your salvation, O Lord; and Your law is my meditation.

For if wisdom shall come into your understanding, and discernment shall seem pleasing to your soul,

[then] good counsel shall guard you, and holy understanding shall keep you;

[My] son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your mouth may be sweetened.

Thus shall you perceive wisdom in your soul: for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you.

Consume them, and Your word shall be to me for the joy and gladness of my heart. For Your name has been called upon me, O Lord Almighty.

And they said to one another, "Was not our heart burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, and while He was interpreting the Scriptures to us?"

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but [how] to do the good, I do not find.